I’ve had an interesting few weeks. I’m currently in the process of getting my MBA, and I’ll be finished in December. It’s been a long few years trying to get this done while I have a full time job, and a running obsession. This semester is the first time I’ve had class two nights in a row, which means that I go to my (non-negotiable) Rasa Vinyasa yoga class Mondays, class Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Thursday is really the only weeknight I get to spend at home. Thursday turns into not really getting to spend it at home, because I’m usually out doing my tempo runs as soon as I walk in the door. Because my classes are two nights in a row, and I can’t run on Mondays because of yoga, I’ve taken to doing speedwork after I get home from class on Tuesday nights at about 9:30 P.M., tempo runs on Thursdays, and then my choice of long run days on Saturdsay or Sunday. I fit in my two mandatory cross training days on Mondays and Fridays. Also, I’m still working off of the FIRST training plan, which means much harder workouts than I’m used to. All of this has culminated in me feeling exhausted.
I still haven’t missed any FIRST workouts. I did 11 miles this past Saturday, and I felt really good (it was an AWESOME day for February) until about mile 8ish, and I could feel my IT band starting to act up again. Eleven miles was the longest run I’ve done since my last half marathon, when I totally killed my IT band for the first time.
Here is where I am looking for some advice. I’m starting to think because I’m so tired, and my muscles are not really feeling like they are recovering, I’m doing a little too much a little too quickly. When I first decided to train on FIRST, they recommended that in order to start the half marathon program, you needed to be able to run six miles. When I read that, I thought, “well dude, I can run 13. I’m totally ready for this.” Maybe I’m not? Maybe I need to back it off? I’m actually contemplating taking today and Thursday off running just to give my body a chance for a break, because I really haven’t had one in a while. I’m thinking about reevaluating whether this is a good idea or not to continue on this program, or whether I should find something else that doesn’t require so much speed/tempo work? I’m the type of person who needs to do whatever the plan says I should do – I have a hard time backing off if it’s WRITTEN DOWN. Maybe my little IT band flare-up on Saturday is a good indication I’m overworking again?
I still have about 10 weeks left before my next half marathon, so this is totally salvagable. More than anything, I want to make sure I run safe. I need some advice on whether I should push out FIRST (because honestly I am impressed with my increase in speed) and these are just normal running pains, or if it’s time to reevaluate and really I’m not ready for this program. I want to stay healthy through this training cycle, so I’m healthy and ready to start training for my ultimate goal – the marathon.
Please advise, dear Interwebs.
I am a runner, and I'm on my way to my first marathon. Here's my little spot to spill how training is going to 26.2 miles. Blogging helps to keep me motivated. Keep me on track!
Little Chocolate Donuts. http://www.hulu.com/watch/2345/saturday-night-live-little-chocolate-donuts
10 Feb 09 at 9:01 am #Hey Jess.
Your predicament is a common one. Trying to strike balance a busy work life and training is really tough in this day and age…so first off, I commend you for sticking with it and remaining faithful to your FIRST program despite having so few free nights to train.
My few recommendations are:
1)If you’re feeling exhausted/tired in your workouts then you are probably overtraining a tad. One of the ways may be to cut out one of your speedwork/tempo sessions and replace it with an easy run with the same mileage. Another thing is to cut down mileage one week for every three increasing mileage weeks. This will give both your body and your mind a break once every few weeks. It can be a tremendous help (as you’ve commented on my blog)
Another thing to watch out for is your rest and nutrition. Make sure you’re eating well and sleeping well during this period. Otherwise it can have negative effects on your training.
I have other suggestions, but I think this will be good for starters. If you want further help, just e-mail me (address on profile page) or drop a line on my blog. I love helping other runners out as it inspires me a bit in my training too!
Good luck. I think you’re smart to listen to your body and realize when things are not heading in the right direction. And you’re right…ten weeks to train for a half is plenty of time =)
10 Feb 09 at 1:58 pm #Thanks guys
. Walking away from the ledge…
Cole, I love that video. I need to go to Dunkin more often!
Laminator, I think I’ve decided I’m going to let myself recover a little this week and get some extra sleep…I’m going to skip my planned speedwork tonight, then replace my tempo Thursday with an easy workout of the same mileage. I think I may back off the speedwork for a few weeks and take your suggestion to just replace the miles with an easier run. I’m also going to buy a book about running nutrition (I’ve heard the Nancy Clark and the Matt Fitzgerald books are good, no?) just to be sure I’m covering my bases.
10 Feb 09 at 4:23 pm #If you find the answer, please let me know! I’ve been having this conversation with everyone lately. For me, it’s very difficult to know how much pain is okay… I don’t want to push too hard and get injured but at the same time, I know there are always going to be little aches and pains (including general fatigue) that you have to fight through… It’s tough to know where to draw that line and, unfortunately, I don’t think there’s any magic way of doing it. You just have to listen to your body and make your best call.
I know I pushed a little too hard a couple weeks ago because I had it in my head that I’d do better with 6 days of running and 50+ miles a week… As a result, I got really tired and bombed at the half last weekend.
I completely agree on what The Laminator said on rest and nutrition. Those are so important. The sleep especially (which you’re probably skimping on if you’re so busy with everything). I’ve started planning 12+ hours to sleep the night after my long runs and have found that helps a lot.
10 Feb 09 at 7:15 pm #I do usually manage 12 hours on either Friday or Saturday night (hehe…hey it’s winter…no need to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to get my run in)…maybe I need to plan those for Sunday night instead…that sounds SO GOOD.
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Cowboy, I think you hit it on the head…we get things in our head that we think will be awesome, and it’s hard to back off when it’s not so great. I have it in my head the FIRST is the greatest training program ever, and I’m having a hard time accepting that it’s not really working out for me and maybe I should try something else.
And I’m buying a foam roller and a nutrition book today
11 Feb 09 at 8:17 am #